Radio Retropolis

A woman reports her brother missing and although it's only been just two days, his disappearance was in an unusually suspicious way. Friday's investigation comes to a startling revelation. Commentary on the inflation crisis of 1951 and how the recession of 1953 was created from this inflationary period.

After Kent and Calkins place the sketch of the possible perpetrator behind the missing boy and Phillippe in the French newspaper, Kent receives a call the next night from someone who recognized the man in the sketch. JR compares the Superman films from 1978 and 2025.

A gypsy violinist warns a newly betrothed woman of a melody she must not hear as bad luck or she must hear it forever and be forced to do what the music tells her to do. Even kill. Commentary on sponsor Palmolive Soaps, gas rationing during WWII, Mussolini and Hitler, and the #1 song on this day.

The 1938 -39 season begins with the departure of the two main stars with one new star and one returning favorite. Tonight, Sanitarium patients are mysteriously dying and being drained of their blood. Lamont Cranston and Margot Lane are summoned by the head doctor. But when they arrive they find him murdered. Bill Johnstone stars as The Shadow and Agnes Moorehead returns as Margo Lane. Commentary on Bill Johnstone's history with the Shadow and winning the title role after Orson Welles'departure.

A simple hitch-hike turns into something much more sinister as a friendly game of "license plate poker" turns into a deadly life or death situation. Commentary on star Gregory Peck. Plus, why the ending betrays the basic style of drama which underlines the Suspense series.

Kent suspects that Phillipe may have left a clue elsewhere and was led by Dorio to a trunk in the cellar. Just then, an explosion was set that took out all in that room-except for the fact that Kent, as Superman, is there to thwart it. Does he do so in time? JR speaks about the adult appeal of the Superman radio series.

After embarrassing them at a local night club, the girls decide the boys should take dancing lessons. Commentary on guest star Veola Vonn.

Friday and Jacobs are in court as a suspect for robbery and murder is put on trial. But they are concerned the case has too many loose ends that may result in acquittal. Commentary on the brilliance of Dragnet with sound, realism, and showing us who represents the audience in the cast.

Kent discovered Herbert Calkins was the man bound, gagged, and semi-conscious at the French address left on that note by the murdered correspondent which means Kent is on the right track. But what brings Herbert Calkins from Scotland Yard into the mix? JR speaks about Calkins reminding Kent he's not quite convinced he's not Superman.

A homeowner fears he may have disturbed an old, cursed Indian burial ground when he uncovers a skull on his property that seems to follow him around the house. Commentary on why episodes as great as this are really special in the Inner Sanctum series. Plus a discussion of the advantage of radio over television including a rare soundbite from our host Raymond from 1972.